FM-6 Antenna (lack of) performance - DAMeyn - Radio Road

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FM-6 Antenna (lack of) performance

I recently got an AntennaCraft FM-6 small yagi antenna with advertised 6dB gain (vs. halfwave dipole), hoping for much improved reception. Because of HOA rules, installed it in the attic (about 11 ft. up) on a rotator. To my disappointment, it is no better than the existing vertical folded halfwave dipole already up there (same area). The vertical dipole is omni-directional, needs no rotator, made from old TV twin-lead. In fact, the FM-6 is unable to deliver good signal for some stations which come in clearly with the vertical folded dipole. I took a TV rabbit ear, set the dipole length to 57 inches, mounted it on the rotator in place of the FM-6, and got very similar reception. I've examined the FM-6 carefully, can find no visible defects, all the elements are straight and properly deployed, using the same 300-75 balun to match the 75 ohm downlead (50 feet, quad shield) for all antennas. What the blank is going on? Does anyone have comparative results for the FM-6 vs. a folded dipole similarly located? I have a feeling the most significant different between them is that the folded dipole is usually mounted near the tuner in living space, whereas the FM-6 (and other outdoor "high gain" antennas are usually mounted high up outside or in an attic. I'm reluctant to buy another FM-6 (same as the famous Radio Shack small yagi) and repeat the experiments.

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Topic - FM-6 Antenna (lack of) performance - DAMeyn 15:30:25 11/06/06 (9)

You are aiming it at each station? can you do that in the spce in the loft? compass bearings? approximate? - Timbo in Oz 20:54:03 11/08/06 (8)

I read that you do have a rotator, whoops!? - Timbo in Oz 21:34:55 11/08/06 (7)

Re: I read that you do have a rotator, whoops!? - DAMeyn 17:47:25 11/10/06 (6)

Try running the FM6 vertical. It seems to me that local conditions are telling you something - Timbo in Oz 22:33:17 11/10/06 (5)

Re: Try running the FM6 vertical. It seems to me that local conditions are telling you something - DAMeyn 11:35:17 11/11/06 (4)

wahy CAN"T you mount it outside there AREways to fight local rules you know. - Timbo in Oz 17:09:53 11/11/06 (3)

Re: wahy CAN"T you mount it outside there AREways to fight local rules you know. - DAMeyn 17:39:21 11/16/06 (2)

"Although the FM-6 doesn't deliver higher signal strength than the vertical folded dipole, its signal results in better" - Timbo in Oz 18:22:58 11/16/06 (0)

Hokay but DO read this post - Timbo in Oz 17:49:26 11/16/06 (0)

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